Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: Planning Phase
• Method 2 of 4: Choosing a Master
• Method 3 of 4: Preparing for your salon visit
• Method 4 of 4: Visit a salon and get a tattoo
• Tips
• Warnings

Tattoos can range from sports club emblems to Celtic designs. Tattooing is one of the ways to express your style. If you don't have tattoos yet, you shouldn't go to the first salon you come across. First, you should think over a drawing, choose a date, sign up and prepare for a visit to the salon. With proper preparation, the process of getting your first tattoo can be completely safe and not so intimidating.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Planning Phase

1. 1 Pick up the drawing a few months before visiting the salon. The choice of a drawing is a purely individual process. You might be inspired by the tattoos you find on the internet, or symbols or images that matter to you. Maybe you just like some picture. Try to devote at least a couple of months to choosing a drawing, so that later you will not regret your choice.
   • If you don't know if you are ready for a tattoo, take your time. You can always get a tattoo later, when you are definitely ready.
   • If you're afraid of pain, choose a small, simple drawing.
   • You can make your own drawing and bring it to the salon if you can't find a drawing that you like.
2. 2 If you are afraid of pain, get a tattoo on a less sensitive area of ​​your body. If you haven't gotten a tattoo before, it's best to start from a place where the pain won't be felt very much. So you can assess your pain threshold without tormenting yourself with unbearable pain. If you want to get a tattoo on a more sensitive area, you can come back for a second or third tattoo later.
   • The least pain is felt in the hips, biceps, calves, and other areas where there is a lot of muscle.
   • If this is your first time tattooing, do not get it on the inner knee, ribs, armpits, nipples, eyelids, or genitals.
   • At the same time, don't let fear limit you! Don't be afraid to do what you want and where you want.
3. 3 Plan to place the tattoo on even, healthy skin. Tattoos can mask tough scars and uneven areas of skin, but the picture will be clearer on even skin. Choose a relatively clean area to make it easier for the artisan to work with your skin.
   • Start moisturizing your skin with a shea butter or coconut butter 1-2 weeks before your salon visit. This will leave your skin feeling smooth and soft. Instead, you can take vitamins for the skin, hair, and nails, or special nutritional supplements (such as biotin).
   • Do not tattoo on areas of skin with sunburn, bruising, or rashes. Working with the injured area will not only increase pain, but also increase the likelihood of infection and scarring.

Method 2 of 4: Choosing a Master

1. 1 Explore reviews of local tattoo parlors. Look for salons in your city and read reviews on the Internet. If any of your friends have tattoos, ask where they got them and if they can recommend their salon.
   • Explore portfolio and social media reviews.
   • If the salon is new and has few reviews, contact the salon and ask them to talk about the qualifications of the employees.
   • Do not choose the cheapest salon if it is important for you that the tattoo is of high quality. The tattoos don't wash off, so it might be worth spending more money on quality work if the salon has good reviews.
2. 2 Browse through the portfolio of salon masters. In many salons, you can see the work of masters on the Internet, in the salon itself, or upon request. Compare works from different salons and choose a master whose work is closer to you in style.
   • Each master works in his own style. If you liked any tattoo, make an appointment with the tattoo artist.
3. 3 Go to the salon. When you find a salon with good reviews and work that suits you, go there and talk to the staff before signing up for the procedure. Ask questions to the masters or make an appointment with the master of your choice, evaluate the situation in the salon.
   • Pay attention to how clean the cabin is. Ask what qualifications the salon masters have and where they studied.
   • Check the laws regarding licenses and beauty treatments in your area and make sure that the salon is authorized to provide these services.
   • Ask the salon staff about sterilizing the instruments. Instruments can be autoclaved or sterilized in other ways. In addition, the salon can use disposable instruments.
4. 4 Agree on the date of the procedure. Go to several salons and choose the salon and craftsmen you like the most. When choosing, consider the quality of the work, safety and art style. Make an appointment for a specific date by phone or in person at the salon.
   • To protect yourself from impulsive decisions, try to set a date at least a week or two later. If you change your mind, you can cancel the entry.
   • In some parlors it is possible to get a tattoo without an appointment, but if you want to get a really good result, it is better to sign up in advance. This will allow the artist to work out the sketch of your tattoo more thoroughly.
5. 5 Discuss the sketch with the master at least a few days before recording. Many tattoo artists need a few days to prepare the stencil, ink, and tattoo tools. Talk to the foreman in person or by phone 2-3 days before the appointment.
   • Send or bring examples of what you like to the master so that he can study them.

Method 3 of 4: Preparing for your salon visit

1. 1 Eat before your procedure. Before visiting the salon, it is important to have a little snack with something healthy. This will prevent you from fainting during the procedure.
   • Try to eat protein and complex carbohydrates. Cut out refined sugars.
2. 2 Please arrive 15-20 minutes before the start of the procedure. You will need to fill out paperwork before the procedure, so try to arrive early. In addition, this way you can talk to the master again or ask him questions.
   • Take your passport with you. You will need it to confirm your age.
   • If you are nervous, in 15-20 minutes in the salon you can get used to the situation and calm down.
3. 3 Talk to a professional about your health condition. If you have a specific medical condition, ask the tattoo artist if you can get a tattoo. Tell the master about past and chronic diseases. This will allow the tattoo artist to consider the potential risks and take the necessary precautions.
   • If you have a chronic medical condition (such as diabetes or epilepsy), bring your doctor's certificate with you. In some salons, a certificate is needed to ensure the safety of the client.
4. 4 Do not move while the master shaves and cleans the skin. When the tattoo artist is ready to get started, he will clean the area with rubbing alcohol and shave it with a disposable razor. Try not to move while the master prepares your skin for work. If you need to sneeze or make a sudden movement, alert the tattoo artist.
   • If you have sensitive skin, tell your professional to cleanse and shave your skin gently. But remember that getting tattoos on sensitive skin is more painful.
5. 5 Examine the stencil as the craftsman transfers it to your skin. When the tattoo artist has cleansed the skin, they will begin transferring the stencil with soap, dry deodorant, or a special marker. Check the stencil before transferring it to the skin in order to correct any mistakes or inaccuracies in time.
   • The stencil will allow the craftsman to exactly repeat the pattern on your skin.
   • Some tattoo artists do not use stencils and draw the outline directly on the skin. In this case, check the circuit before the wizard starts working.

Method 4 of 4: Visit a salon and get a tattoo

1. 1 Do whatever is necessary to relieve pain during the procedure. The pain can vary from mild to moderate (it all depends on the site chosen). Try to numb the pain with breathing exercises, talking to a master, or music.
   • Do not take over-the-counter pain relievers before your procedure. They thin the blood and can increase bleeding.
2. 2 If you need to move, tell the master about it. Since the tattooing process takes a long time and can irritate the skin, it will be difficult for you to sit still all the time. To avoid drawing mistakes, try not to move and warn the tattoo artist if you need to move.
   • If the tattoo is large or complex, it will most likely need to be done several times.
   • If you are tired, ask the master to pause. If the tattoo is large, there is nothing wrong with taking a few breaks while you work.
3. 3 Leave a tip if you like. If you like the tattoo, don't forget to tip the tattoo artist. In many salons, it is customary to leave a tip - this is how clients express their gratitude to the master for the difficult work.
   • If you do not like the result, tell the master about it. Perhaps the tattoo artist will be able to redo some places or add some other element. The texture of the skin will make a difference in this case.
   • Plan to leave the tattoo artist 10–20% of the cost of the tattoo in cash.
4. 4 Follow the recommendations of the wizard regarding tattoo care. When the artist has finished working on the tattoo, they will give you advice on how to care for the tattoo while it heals. You may need to wear a bandage, rinse your tattoo regularly, or apply antibacterial cream. Care depends on the type and size of the tattoo.
   • If you neglect the rules of care, you can infect the wound. Follow the recommendations of the master as closely as possible, and the tattoo will heal quickly and without problems.

Tips

• Drink plenty of water before visiting a tattoo parlor. The water will be beneficial for the condition of the skin and will help you to be more collected and energized during the session.
• If you are not sure if you want a tattoo, try getting a temporary tattoo first. This will make it easier for you to make a decision.
• Even small tattoos can take up to an hour. Wear comfortable clothing to avoid sweating or itching.
• If you're nervous, talk to a friend who has tattoos before going to the salon. A friend can help you calm down and advise you on the salon process.

Warnings

• Remember: a tattoo is forever. Before getting a tattoo, consider if you really need it. If you need time to think, don't rush yourself.
• Do not consume alcohol or other substances that affect consciousness before going to the salon. For the process to be safe, it is important to think clearly and interact with the master.